Grotius, Hugo (1583–1645)

Dutch jurist and politician. His book De Jure Belli et Pacis/On the Law of War and Peace (1625) is the foundation of international law.

Grotius held that the rules governing human and international relations are founded on human nature, which is rational and social. These rules constitute a natural law binding on citizens, rulers, and God.

Grotius was born in Delft and educated at the University of London. He became a lawyer, and later received political appointments. In 1618 he was arrested as a republican and sentenced to imprisonment for life. His wife contrived his escape 1620, and he settled in France, where he composed De Jure Belli. He was Swedish ambassador in Paris 1634–45.